Fast-casual sandwich franchise Earl of Sandwich announced yesterday a development deal with Corinthian Restaurant Group LLC to open 38 restaurants over the next eight years in West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Fort Myers.

Headed by three entrepreneurial brothers and their spouses, Brian and Michelle Wright, Brett and Erica Wright, and Bradley Wright, the first location is projected to open in the West Palm Beach market in May 2006 at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. at The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington. Corinthian Restaurant Group plans on opening around five restaurants a year rotating between the West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Tampa markets.

“We are pleased to have the Corinthian Restaurant Group join our growing franchise team,” said Ian Schneider, director of franchise development for Earl of Sandwich. “This energetic group of twentysomethings has 50 years of combined restaurant experience with McDonald’s through their family business. Their vast knowledge of the quick service restaurant industry will play an important role in driving Earl of Sandwich’s franchise expansion in Florida.”

The Florida development agreement with the Corinthian Restaurant Group is part of a national expansion plan for Earl of Sandwich, whose corporate location in the Downtown Disney Marketplace in Orlando has served the world’s most popular quick food to standing-room-only crowds with annual sales in excess of $6 million. The next corporate location will open in Tampa in February 2006, with additional franchise restaurants planned for New York City, Southern California, and the Midwest later in the year. Company plans call for 300 restaurants nationwide by the end of 2008.

“Earl of Sandwich’s passion for excellence, top-notch corporate staff, and most importantly, an exceptional menu at a great value, attracted us to the concept,” said Brian. “Plus, with their name in the brand, they are committed to only the highest quality food and service. We are excited to be part of Earl of Sandwich’s nationwide expansion and continued growth into untapped markets.”

Rapid growth is nothing new to the Earl of Sandwich management team, composed of founders Robert Earl, the entrepreneur behind Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood, and the restaurateur Gary Davis, CEO and long time Earl Associate.

“We aim to be the Starbucks of the sandwich industry,” Davis added.